Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala has shared on Facebook that his son and his 19-year-old brother-in-law were abducted at gunpoint. According to his post, they were tortured for six hours by their captors, who demanded information on Malala’s whereabouts or that of his wife. The abductors also attempted to locate his home in Kitengela. When they failed to find him or his spouse, they dumped the two along Thika Road. Malala confirmed that he picked them up safe, though both were traumatized and shaken.
Malala’s close ties to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua where they attended church together over the weekend and called president Ruto to be keen on Gachagua’s handling have led to speculation that this incident may be politically motivated, but so far, no official statement has confirmed this theory. Malala has been associated with Gachagua in various political engagements and has often stood by him, particularly amid growing political tensions within the UDA party.
Despite his ouster as the UDA Secretary General, Malala maintained that he still holds the position, citing the Registrar of Political Parties’ records, which still recognize him in that role. He criticized the current officeholders, calling their presence unlawful. Malala has also expressed concern about the UDA leadership straying from the promises made to the Kenyan people during the 2022 elections.
Malala earlier had warned President William Ruto against an alleged impeachment plot against Gachagua, urging him to act before it escalates. Malala mentioned that the motion was being prepared by politicians, including Minority Leader Junet Mohammed and Homabay MP Peter Kaluma. Malala believes this move could ultimately target Ruto as well ahead of the 2027 elections.
By Newsmedia